A few years have passed since I was a classroom teacher. But every time I drive past a school, I wonder about what’s happening inside and reflect fondly on the high points of my teaching career. I remember my favorite students- even though I know you’re not supposed to have favorites- and think for a moment about my fabulous former coworkers who continue to serve the community as teachers. When I meet a teacher, I have to consciously stop myself from blurting out immediately: “I MISS MY STUDENTS!” The word is like an immediate bond for me. Teachers.are.heroes. I can’t say it enough, and we can all do more to celebrate and honor them.
Given all of this, it’s probably not a surprise to know that I also love “Abbott Elementary” on ABC. Though it follows the mockumentary/ sitcom format (like “The Office” and “Parks and Rec”), Abbott Elementary is named after one of Quinta Brunson’s favorite teachers - Ms. Abbott. This show gives us a humorous but cringingly real peek inside what it can look like to support your students no matter what. It’s an understatement to say the past few years have been extremely challenging for educators, with the normal stressors that come with working towards their students’ academic success and well being, in addition to the ongoing challenges of navigating a pandemic for themselves and their students.
“Abbott” has inspired in me a desire to lift up more educators more often. Because despite all of the school challenges we see in the headlines, let us not forget that MILLIONS of teachers, staff members, counselors, and school leaders- MILLIONS- continue to walk into their buildings every morning ready to support students and families in incredible ways. Every school that I drive- that we all drive by- each day MIGHT be full of challenges. But they are also full of learning and energy and joy and good as well. We love teachers, and we want to continue to celebrate the lasting impact they have on our children.
If you ask anyone to talk about an educator who had a positive impact on them, we ALL have those stories. I think back about my own incredible teachers who introduced me to writers that I still LOVE like Toni Morrison, Dante Aligheri, Lorraine Hansberry, Chinua Achebe, J.D. Salinger… the list goes on. Teachers pushed us to value and seek out other perspectives beyond our own. They taught us to think critically about our world, to acknowledge, ponder, and discuss difficult topics, and to imagine how we might contribute to making a positive impact in our society one day. I wouldn’t be where I am without the tireless work of my teachers and parents (who were also teachers). Teachers not only inspire students and push their thinking, but they also remind students that it’s ok to make mistakes, and that even in the midst of extremely difficult times - our children matter. Teachers.are.heroes.
Phew, taking a breath after driving down memory lane. In addition to my teachers and Ms. Abbott, here are a few highlights from amazing schools we’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past few months. At Citizens of the World Charter School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ms. Tania has received shoutouts from staff and parents for the joy she brings into the classroom and for her creative problem-solving to meet her students’ needs and to encourage their growth as young leaders! At Liberty STEAM Charter in Sumter, South Carolina, Ms. Calhoun brought STEAM to life for her students during Black History Month by spotlighting inventors. She put together an ice cream social to celebrate inventions like that of Augustus Jackson, also known as the “King of Ice Cream,” and Alfred L. Cralle, inventor of the ice cream scoop. Joy so often brings meaning to learning, and we are blessed to partner with educators weaving joy into student learning every day!
Though Teacher Appreciation Week isn’t until May, what other champion teachers do you want to lift up right now? What other amazing things are you seeing in the classroom that we can shine joy upon? Let’s start a celebration thread!